Maui Snorkeling Trips

Octopuses are highly intelligent sea creatures that live in many diverse climates.  They can be found in tropical waters and in the cold waters of the arctic north.  In Hawaii, there are three frequently seen species:  He’e Mauli (day octopus), He’e Makoko (night foraging octopus), & He’e Puloa (ornate octopus).  All species of octopus were an important food source.  The ancient Hawaiians also knew the favorite food of the octopus was a relative (cowrey) snail.  The cowrey was used as an octopus lure, tied to a stick on one side, weighted down by a rock on the other.  Hidden and secured tightly was a fish hook carved out of bone. This lure was dangled nearby outside an octopus den.  How did they know the octopus lived there?  How divers know today.  The octopus is a great hunter, but a very messy housekeeper.  They will clear the den of any shells of animals eaten, which will pile up right outside the front door.

Scientists have discerned that octopuses are more intelligent than any of the other invertebrates and measure their intelligence level about the same as a two year old child.  They have put octopuses through complex puzzle solving experiments in order to test the capacity for an octopus to think.  One of these experiments involved placing food inside a jar with a secured lid and the octopus opened the jar.  Not so very amazing, maybe, but what really threw researchers was the first time the octopus was given the challenge, it took her about 10 minutes.  A couple of weeks later, when given the same challenge it took her only seconds.  She REMEMBERED!  Another sign of an octopus’ intelligence is its ability to camouflage to a diverse array of environments.  This gives the octopus, all of which have no exoskeleton, an advantage over opponents that want to use them as prey and to not be seen by things they are preying on.

The octopus’ eight arms are covered with suction cups, which are used to grab prey and attach themselves to corals or rocks.  Researchers say to tell a female from a male, the animal (unfortunately) must be expired.  When spreading them on a table, the male will have one arm longer and devoid of suction cups. (Third on the left side)  They believe this is the insertion arm.  On an interesting note, the squid, a cousin, has 10 arms.  If you plan on coming to Maui and snorkeling, ask your guide about these incredible and very inquisitive animals.  You might be given a treat of an interesting story or two.

1. www.outpost18.com Says:
   July 31st, 2008 at 6:01 pm

   Octopus | Maui Snorkeling Trips…

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2. lawplug.com Says:
   July 31st, 2008 at 7:06 pm

   Octopus | Maui Snorkeling Trips…

   This is the best site you can ever get when you wish to enjoy the sun and waters. The packages that this site offers are simply superb. You and your family will truly enjoy snorkeling in Maui’s water life….

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